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ULLA/POTTUVIL, AMPARA DISTRICT, 2008-11-17
- USAID and the international relief organization AmeriCares marked
the completion of the Pottuvil/Ulla Water Treatment Plant and Ulla Supply
System at the opening on November 17, 2008. The plant will give the residents
of these coastal villages safe and clean water for the first time since
the tsunami devastated their communities.

USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn officially
opened the water treatment plant, along with AmeriCares Country Director
Lisa Hilmi, and Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, Hon. Al-Haj A.L.M.
Athaullah, M.P.

With the introduction of advanced water
treatment technology and equipment, the new system can provide 4,000 liters
per minute of clean water, benefiting over 40,000 residents, as well as
local businesses and hotels. In addition to safeguarding the health of
the communities, it will contribute to stabilizing the tourist industry
and help boost the local economy.

Thanks to an additional grant by AmeriCares,
USAID has been able to complete its investment in wells, transmission lines,
the treatment plant and a large elevated storage tank. The additional contribution
has also allowed the National Water Supply & Drainage Board to work
with the local users to connect the supply directly to their homes, schools,
hotels and workplaces. The new water treatment plant and distribution system
have been designed in partnership with the National Water Supply &
Drainage Board of Sri Lanka, who has offered invaluable input into the
project.

When the water was turned on in local
schools that day, students stood in line to fill their tall glasses with
fresh water. Word spread quickly, and in only a short time, residents of
the community were out in the street, excitedly discussing this new improvement.